Cataracts occurs when the natural lens within your eye starts to become cloudy and opacify.
Symptoms include blurred vision, glare and a change in spectacle prescription. Cataracts usually occur with age, however, they can also be caused be trauma, diabetes, steroids and genetic conditions.
Cataract surgery is usually a safe and successful procedure with a very high chance of improving vision. Modern intraocular lens technology often allows patients to be spectacle free for most activities.
The key to a successful cataract operation involves three factors:
1. Communication.
2. Pre-operative planning and assessment.
3. Surgical skill.
It is important that your ophthalmologist listens to you and understands what your priorities are in relation to visual outcomes. Every patient is unique and cataract surgery requires a tailored approach.
A thorough assessment of every patient is required before proceeding with cataract surgery. Although cataracts are a common cause of visual deterioration, many patients will also have other ocular problems such as macular pathology. It is best to address these issues prior to cataract surgery to ensure the best outcome for each patient.
Surgical skill is imperative to successful cataract surgery. Although the majority of cataract surgeries are routine, all surgery has risk and it is important that your surgeon can manage complicated surgery to increase the chance of a successful outcome. If cataract surgery is anticipated to be difficult or complex then a referral to an Ophthalmologist who has undergone additional training in Vitreoretinal Surgery is often required to optimise the visual outcome for the patient.
The ophthalmologists at Sunshine Coast Eye and Retina have extensive surgical training in cataract, eyelid and retinal surgery. Dr Warren Apel is a Vitreoretinal Surgeon who specialises in routine and complex cataract procedures. He is accepting referrals for new and existing patients at Sunshine Coast Eye and Retina in Noosa and Caloundra.
To make an appointment, please call reception on (07) 5491 9496.
